Bankruptcy filings in the (United States~U. S.} are sharply on the rise and the desire to find a trustworthy bankruptcy lawyers is prevelent now more than ever. Nationwide bankruptcy filings last year topped 1.4 million, rising from 1.7 million in 2008 based on the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. At this speed citizens might see the amount of bankruptcy filing top 2 million in 2010 and the number of bankruptcy attorneys and law offices offering bankruptcy rise as well to accommodate people filing personal bankruptcy. The internet is filled with bankruptcy lawyers and bankruptcy law firms with marketing slogans like “ $100.00 get’s you started” and “free consultation” or “bankruptcy as low as” and so on, but beware of bankruptcy attorneys! When you see advertisements claimingadvertising “$100.00 get’s you started”, what do you really think you get for $100.00? You’re right, NADA! Also, if you are offered a free consultation double check it’s with the bankruptcy attorney that’s actually going to file your bankruptcy. The most common type of bankruptcy is chapter 7, but since the utilization of the “means test” in 2005 filing chapter 7 bankruptcies is more backbreaking today and more consumers must now file chapter 13. While a chapter 7 allows anyone filing bankruptcy to completely wipe out their debt a chapter 13 is a repayment plan, typically lasting 5 years. A problem with bankruptcy is that it’s not an precise science and large bankruptcy law offices, for example Legal Helpers have recieved several complaints from consumers attempting to get a deal when filing bankruptcy. The entire business model of these firms is to get a $100.00 commitment so the consumer will not go else where to hire an attorney. ”It’s ridiculous, what do you think a bankruptcy attorney is really going to do for you for $100.00” says James D. Zhou, bankruptcy lawyer in California and senior partner with the Law Offices of Zhou & Chini. Zhou goes on to say, “bankruptcy is complicated and consumers should consider paying a reasonable fee to a bankruptcy attorney to get a good resolution. Repulsive stories about these giant bankruptcy firms are abundant, these firms should consider being upfront and honest with their clients and tell them $100.00 is just to get them to commit to file bankruptcy with their office. Bankruptcy lawyers should typically accept payment plans but none we know of will file your bankruptcy petition unless you are paid in full”.

While the cost for filing a chapter 7 throughout the country varies from $1200.00 to $4,000 depending on the county someone lives in and the complexity of the bankruptcy, the mass medium price for a chapter 7 in California is about $2500.00 and $4,000 for a chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you try to find the cheapest bankruptcy lawyer on line you may end up with a larger problem than the reason you’re filing bankruptcy. Usually when someone feels they’re going bankrupt is when they start their search for a bankruptcy attorney and price is the first thing they look for. Expect to pay a fair and reasonable price for a bankruptcy lawyer and don’t think cheaper is better, or $100.00 get’s you anything but a vexation. Most honest bankruptcy lawyers will provide for you to make installments and then file your bankruptcy when you are paid in full. Bankruptcy law firms like Zhou & Chini are all over the internet and typically will not discuss their fees to file bankruptcy until they see the complexity of your case. While a simple chapter 7 may not involve reaffirmation of debt or motions to avoid a lien it may only cost you $1500.00 in Riverside County but as much as $2,500 in Orange County or Los Angeles County. When you hire a bankruptcy attorney or even consider a free bankruptcy consultation you should ask your bankruptcy attorney if he or she will be doing the actual bankruptcy filing or a paralegal. It might be worth a little more to make sure your file is handled properly so you don’t get your bankruptcy case dismissed and lose out all together. While you can file a simple chapter 7 with a paralegal, you will in all likelihood get better results with a bankruptcy lawyer that provides you a personalized service and properly explain the bankruptcy process. If you’re a California resident and need to file bankruptcy chapter 7 or chapter 13 remember this article, and remember if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. To speak directly with a bankruptcy lawyer or just to get more bankruptcy info go to www.BankruptcyAttorneyinCalifornia.com